Chadian army arrests leaders of civilian opposition
February 3, 2008 (NDJAMENA) — The Chadian forces loyal to President Idriss Deby have arrested a number of leaders of the civilian opposition in the capital N’djamena, Sudan Tribune has learned.
Among those arrested on Sunday three names are confirmed: Ibni Oumar Mahamat Saleh, spokesman of the large oppositional Alliance for the Defense of the Constitution (CPDC), Selh Kebzabo the president of one of the parties members of this coalition and Yorongar, president of the Federalist Party.
No indication has been provided to their relatives on the reasons they have been arrested and the place they will be detained.
Rebel units in a column of 300 vehicles had attacked the capital in their most determined offensive in two years. They fought with government troops on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in confused battles outside and inside the city.
Ndjamena was calm late Sunday but the rebels said the opposition forces had only pulled back to the eastern edge of the capital to allow civilians enough time to flee the city before a new offensive.
The Civilian opposition is known for its opposition for anti-military solution to the political crisis in Chad. They call for democratic transition in the country and constitute viable alternative of the politico-military opposition.
In November 1990, before leaving N’Djamena, Hissène Habre organized the systematic killing of people he considered responsible for his defeat against Idriss Deby’s forces.
(ST)
Mohamed saleh
Chadian army arrests leaders of civilian opposition
Ibni Oumar Mahamat Saleh was abducted on Sunday, February 3rd, from his residence in N’Djamena. Masked soldiers came to his house around 8:30 P.M. in the Chadian capital and brutalized him before taking him, without his will, to an unknown destination.
Ibni Oumar Mahamat Saleh is the secretary-General of the PLD, an important political formation, member of the political coalition of the democratic opposition, the CPDC. He is moreover the Spokesperson of this coalition.
The soldiers that kidnapped him first summoned his children to tell them where exactly, in the house, Ibni Oumar was located. The children replied that their father was absent. The undesirable visitors, considered to be soldiers close to the Chadian president opened fire, pointing their weapons against one of the house walls.
Hearing the gun shots, Ibni Oumar rushed out of his office. He was beaten to death in front of his children before being taken away.
His son